Real estate licenses down

Laramie, WY – When Wyoming property values peaked in 2005 and 2006, more and more people got into the real estate business. Now, they're getting out. The number of active real estate licenses in the state has dropped by about 20 percent over the last three years. That's according to the Wyoming Real Estate Commission. Trenton Hogg is its executive director, "There are fewer real estate agents out there trying to make a living in the real estate industry now than there were a year ago at this time. And that number is down from a year ago before that."Hogg says the 20 percent decline in licenses doesn't translate to 20 percent fewer people on the street selling real estate. That's because some small firms have consolidated to save money on firm licenses, and some inactive agents have chosen not to renew.